Kansas City Royals All Time Starting Rotation

5. David Cone (1994)

David Cone was just not destined to remain with the Kansas City Royals for any length of time. Originally traded to the New York Mets in the ill-fated move to acquire Ed Hearn, Cone was signed as a free agent following the 1992 season. He lasted two seasons in Kansas City before being sent to the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the start of the 1995 season, as the Royals received two minor leaguers and Chris Stynes. Yup.

During those two full seasons that Cone spent with the Royals in the mid 1990’s, he was the top of the rotation starter that they had hoped for. During those two seasons, Cone was a combined 27-19 with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.182 WHiP, striking out 323 batters in 425.2 innings of work.

His 1994 season, shortened due to the strike, was truly special. That year, Cone posted a 16-5 record with a 2.94 ERA and a 1.072 WHiP, striking out 132 batters against 54 walks. Cone not only made the All-Star game, but also earned his only career Cy Young award and finished ninth in the MVP vote. If the season had not ended due to the strike, Cone would have had a legitimate chance at his second career 20 win season.

David Cone was an excellent pitcher for much of his career, and posted two great seasons with the Kansas City Royals. Slotting in as the fifth starter, he would be a tremendous part of the starting rotation.

Next: The career year